Jacques Burger returned to the Saracens starting line-up for the first time in a Premiership match since 2011, as the combative back rower impressed in Saracens convincing 42-20 win against London Irish.

“It felt really good to be back out there today” revealed the 30 year-old flanker.

“It was great to get a run out again and especially at such a special stadium such as Twickenham”

“It takes a while to get used to being back playing I suppose, with it being the first game of the season and everything – people are going to be rusty and people are going to make mistakes – we weren’t as ruthless as maybe we wanted to be, but that will come with more games”.

Burger added; “The most important thing going into today was getting the result we wanted, and we did that so there are a lot of positives we can take out of today’s game, in particular, securing the bonus point right at the end – that was a real plus for us”.

Burger impressed on his return to the starting XV and Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall praised the Namibian’s display in his return to the Saracens No.7 jersey.

“I thought Jacques Burger was good as anybody today” revealed McCall.

“It was his first game, properly back, for over 18 months, as at the back end of last season he returned but he was never quite right. He has now had a minor operation in the summer that has rectified that particular problem and he’s looking good.

McCall added; “It’s great to have him back – it feels like a new signing”.